Leadership+Development+Network

=Leadership Development Network= by Marilyn J. Bender

Purpose
This activity is designed to facilitate networking among participants of a developmental workshop or members of a leadership team. It can be used as an icebreaker or a learning activitity to help participants introduce themselves to get to know their fellow team members. It works best when used with a workshop or meeting focused on leadership development, mentoring or building support and development networks.

Time Required
The amount of time needed depends on the size of the group. Allow sufficient time for members to interact and meet at least ten others: 30 to 50 mins.

Number of Participants
Use with a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 75 participants.

Supplies Needed
A copy of the [|Leadership Development Network.pdf] worksheet and pens for each participant

Preparation
Print the one page Leadership Develoment Network worksheet and distribute to each participant. Participants should have pens to fill out the worksheet.

Introduction
There is a wealth of information in this room. Before we begin or session, we are going to take some time to build networks for suppot and development. Please take a few minutes to complete the top left and right boxes with information about you related to your strenghts and the challenges you face in your job. After a few minutes, I will ask you to mingle around the room and talk to each other about your lists. Your challenge is find people in this room who can benefit from your strengths and also those who can help you with your challenges. For each of your strengths, find people who see that as a challenge and could use your help developing in that area. Write their names in the box on the lower right of your worksheet. For each of your challenges, find people who see that as a strength and can help you develop in that area. Write their names in the lower left box of your worksheet. Build your network for support and development. You will have 40 minutes to complete your lists.

Process

 * 1) Distribute worksheets and pens.
 * 2) Introduce activity using script.
 * 3) Allow 3 to 5 minutes for participants to complete the top right and left boxes on the worksheet.
 * 4) Call time and instruct participants to begin mingling and building their network.
 * 5) Call time after 40 mins.

Debrief
Instruct participants to be seated and discuss the following. Wrap up with a discussion of the benefits of networking.
 * 1) Poll the group to see how many names were collected.
 * 2) Ask, "How did it feel to talk to people about your strengths and challenges?"
 * 3) "Do you feel you have met at least one other person who can help you with a challenge?"
 * 4) "Do you feel you have met at least one other person who you intend to help with a challenge?"
 * 5) "Why did we do this and what should happen next?"

Credits
This activity was adapted from similar meet and greet icebrakers. The focus on development and networking was added to make it more relevent as a session opener on the topic.